SMI is part of of the Center for the Science and Technology of Advanced Materials and Interfaces (STAMI). SMI asks fundamental questions about soft matter, which is defined as matter with large response functions, often governed by large entropic contributions to the free energy. Polymer solutions and gels, colloidal suspensions, liquid crystals, aerosols, granular matter, emulsions, and foams are examples of soft matter.

The symposium aims familiarize the attendees with the soft-matter research and expertise in Georgia Tech and to demonstrate the role Georgia Tech plays in influencing and advancing the field.

The symposium is intended for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty researchers engaged or interested in the field of soft matter.